State announces $750,000 in federal funds to aid growth on Interstate 37 east of George West

GEORGE WEST - Live Oak County leaders hope a movement to extend sewer lines from George West to Interstate 37 will boost development in the area.

The state announced $750,000 in federal funds for the cause Friday. The lines will extend to two Stripes convenience stores on opposite sides of I-37 at U.S. Highway 59. The extension will allow one of the stores to expand, taking the number of employees from 22 to 51, according to a news release.

Otis Peaks, vice president of human resources for Susser Holdings Corp., which owns Stripes, said many details, such as a rendering or construction schedule are not available because the expansion is in the conceptual phase.

"But the finished project will probably double the size of that store and double the number of employees," Peaks said, adding that store will be more like a truck stop.

County Judge Jim Huff emphasized that no tax money would be used to extend the line. The money is from the Texas Capital Fund, administered through the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The additional infrastructure will benefit economic development and spur growth, Huff said, adding that when the lines are complete, they will be turned over to the city of George West to manage.

"By use of the Texas Capital Fund, Live Oak County was able to provide badly needed infrastructure to an area that has been curtailed in development," Huff said in the news release. "This grant means more jobs, more sales tax for the county and an all-around better environment for future economic growth."